Debate Over Ceasefire Plan for Gaza Intensifies at the U.N.

On Wednesday, Palestinians walked by a food-aid warehouse damaged by an Israeli airstrike targeting a nearby house in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions and criticisms regarding Israel’s actions in the region.

At the United Nations, the official leading President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan for Gaza criticized Israel’s continued military actions, warning that without the U.S. proposal, further conflict could ensue. Nikolay Mladenov, a high representative of the Board of Peace, addressed the U.N. Security Council, emphasizing that Trump’s 20-point plan is progressing from negotiations to implementation.

Mladenov noted that the militant group Hamas has agreed to a key provision of the plan: disarming and transitioning Gaza to civilian rule. Despite this agreement, he pointed out that Israel’s strikes, though less frequent since the ceasefire agreed last October, continue to threaten the sense of security for Gazans.

“After years of conflict and military operations, another strike will not stop Hamas rearming. It obstructs demilitarization and delays a shift to civilian governance,” Mladenov stated.

A U.S. agreement with Hamas aimed at disarmament is viewed as a significant step to ending the conflict, initially sparked by Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel in October 2023. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm, stating that Israeli forces will not retreat until Hamas has surrendered all weapons.

Mladenov recounted a recent meeting with Netanyahu and Jared Kushner, where they reviewed Israeli concerns and identified issues needing resolution. Meanwhile, Israel’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Noa Furman, assured the Security Council of Israel’s dedication to the U.S. plan, but highlighted the necessity of Hamas’ disarmament for its success.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, stated that the concerns about Trump’s plan are being addressed, and affirmed that Hamas’ disarmament would be assessed through its actions. Mladenov, however, cautioned against the gap between the plan’s intentions and the situation described on the ground. He warned that if conflict recommences, rebuilding efforts will be futile.

“It would not be just a setback,” Mladenov argued, “but a point of no return for all parties involved.”

Emphasizing the need for political resolve, Mladenov urged leaders to choose between a disarmed, rebuilt Gaza connected to the world or one that is rearmed and isolated, which risks breeding a more radical future generation.

Regarding the Palestinian perspective, Mladenov noted that the Trump plan offers a credible path to a political horizon and a two-state solution to the longstanding conflict, a solution Netanyahu strongly opposes.